Where Exactly Did All The Poker TV Shows Get Started, With ESPN?

Over the last few years there has been an explosion onto TV screens with some games that would have been unthinkable not so long ago. Who could possibly imagine playing the old British pub game darts live in front of a few thousand 'fans' with it beamed around the world live by Sky TV, or even more intriguing what about cards and Poker TV shows?

Sometimes, one wonders where do these ideas originate from and how the heck do they manage to take off and viewers get addicted. Without a doubt this is the case with Poker TV shows, but a simple card game, how could that even be possible?

To discover the answer to this question, one has to look back to where it all started and that was with the airing on ESPN of World Series of Poker. No doubt originally folk would have been sat in front of their screens going through the nightly schedule and would have stumbled across the show and wondered "what could that be all about"?

The initial thought of watching 9 players sat around a table playing a card game would be that it would be as boring as watching paint dry or the grass grow surely? However this was not the case, quite the opposite in fact. People watching a live game from home where others were competing for these large pots of cash became seriously addictive and the public just couldn't get enough and wanted more! To add to the excitement, poker fans can now bet on live poker. Sportsbooks offer odds on live games and poker fans can visit www.betbonuscodes.uk for Bet365 where they'll discover bonus codes that can be used to place bets on live poker and other sports.

One of the breakthroughs in this mesmerizing game that has led to it being so well received by the viewing public, was the creation of the 'hole camera in 1997 by Harry Orenstein.

This small device would allow viewers at home a bird's eye view of each players hand as the cards were being dealt. They could see how the player was playing his hand, more importantly how his opponent reacted step by step.

In essence the viewer had the complete picture of how the game was unfolding, but would have to endure the agony of having to sit there unable to influence proceedings. It would be just like watching a game show where they know the answer to the question, but not the one being asked!

Other Poker TV shows would spring up on the back of ESPN's success such as the World Poker Tour which took events up yet another level with colourful commentary and insightful dialogue along the way. Who says it's boring, millions of viewers can't be wrong, can they?

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